Like so many children, his fear of another hurricane is compounded by how long it's taking for life to get back to normal. The family crammed into a tiny FEMA trailer on their lawn for six months, as room by room, they cleaned, renovated their house themselves, using life savings, waiting for insurance to pay.

Today, Michael showed the work in progress. And along with the house, he too is emerging from the storm — gaining structure and connectedness from school, and with the help of a counselor, having fewer nightmares.

"I see progress in him, and it brings a smile every time I think about it," his mother says.

One child among many learning another lesson from Katrina — the value of resilience and hope.